A humorous haunting at heart of Warner Robins Little Theater’s production of ‘Blithe Spirit’

For the first time in 48 years, Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” will once again come to life on the stage of Warner Robins Little Theater, beginning Friday night.

In its 53rd season, the theater will host Coward’s 1941 story about socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who wishes to learn more about the occult, according to Tyler Bryant, who plays the part of Charles. He said Charles invites an eccentric medium named Madam Arcati (Pat Phillips) to hold a seance at his house because he is doing research about the occult for a novel he is writing, and while there, she inadvertently summons the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, (Annie Sinatra). Since only Charles can see or hear Elvira, his second wife, Ruth (Whitney Cochran), does not believe him, and she and the other characters in attendance, Dr. Bradman (Bill Felton) and his wife, Violet (Sara Lynch), think Charles has gone crazy.

“There (are) a lot of twists and turns,” said Bryant, who describes his character as a fussy and cantankerous narcissist. Bryant adds that it is very inconvenient for his character when his late wife is brought back, and only when a floating vase is handed to her does Ruth begin to believe he is telling the truth. Regardless, he says, Elvira continues to haunt the characters and disturb them throughout the story.

The play, directed by Michael Castle, is described by Bryant as “a comedy of manners ... a British farce.”